Functionalized cyclopentanes via Sc(III)-catalyzed intramolecular enolate alkylation

Abstract We report herein the intramolecular α- tert -alkylation of unsaturated β-ketoesters which gives rise to highly functionalized cyclopentanes. This transformation is characterized by its operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions and the use of scandium (III) triflate as a Lewis acid catalyst. Of interest, cyclopentanes bearing heterocycles, sites for post reaction functionalization and spirocyclic architectures are accessible with this strategy.